Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government following the recent increase in railway passenger fares. Accusing the administration of exploiting common citizens, Kharge stated that the government has left no stone unturned in its efforts to "loot" the public.
A Scathing Accusation of Neglect and Hype
In a strongly-worded critique, the senior opposition leader painted a grim picture of the state of Indian Railways under the current regime. He described the last several years as a "sad saga of neglect, apathy and fake hype." Kharge's comments, made on December 22, 2025, underscore the deepening political rift over economic policies affecting everyday life.
The fare revision, which was officially announced and came into effect recently, has sparked widespread concern among daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike. Kharge positioned this move not as a necessary economic adjustment but as a deliberate burden placed on ordinary Indians already grappling with inflation.
The Political Backlash and Public Sentiment
The Congress leader's statement is seen as a direct challenge to the government's narrative of modernization and improvement in rail infrastructure. By using terms like "fake hype," Kharge attempted to counter claims of significant upgrades in safety, speed, and passenger amenities made by the ruling dispensation.
This development has immediately become a focal point for the opposition, aiming to highlight issues of public welfare and cost of living. The criticism comes at a time when the government has been promoting its achievements in expanding the rail network and introducing new trains.
What This Means for Passengers and Politics
The immediate consequence of the railway fare hike is increased travel expenses for millions of Indians. For the political landscape, it has provided fresh ammunition to the Congress and other opposition parties to question the government's pro-people stance.
Key points from Kharge's accusation include:
- The government is allegedly exploiting every opportunity to extract more money from citizens.
- The Indian Railways has suffered from serious neglect despite official claims of progress.
- The public relations campaign around railway development is being labeled as misleading or "fake."
As the news spreads, the debate is expected to intensify in Parliament and public forums. The government is yet to issue a detailed counter-response to these specific allegations from the Congress president. The outcome of this confrontation will likely influence public perception ahead of future electoral battles.
